Since society is becoming more and more removed from the “real” world and becoming increasingly engrossed in the digital universe, our physical interactions are changing. In observation, we discuss how technology has enabled us to remain as bystanders, choosing instead to record and observe interactions rather than participate.
Wifi and Surveillance
WiFi has a huge impact on the usage of digital devices, while riding the subway. Business Insider states, “All 277 underground subway stations will have WiFi service by the end of 2016. Currently about 140 subway stations already have WiFi.” To many, this addition would seem to be a great convenience for those that own digital devices, allowing them to have service in a place, in which they couldn’t before. Although, many people don’t consider what this move for the subway system really means. Most of us are so clueless, that we trap and willingly give up information about ourselves in this idea of “digital enclosure”, just so we can have access to our digital world for an extra 15 minutes. This whole concept should make people assume the possibilities of there being other reasons why the MTA is installing WiFi in all the stations throughout NYC. The ideas of “state surveillance” and “commercial surveillance”, without a doubt come into play when thinking about the new installments of WiFi on trains. The government and certain companies use the information we send through the MTA’s WiFi to track what we do on a daily basis. Companies would use this information to come to a conclusion about the route that you take going home and send ads to your device that match your route. As for the government, they can use it to help keep track on those who committed crimes and just have another way to keep eyes on the average citizen throughout the day. So even though people may think it’s a positive thing, it’s actually taking our freedom away from us.
Ladies and Gentlemen, What Time Is It? Iiit’s Showtime!
In addition to the surveillance that is conducted by the government and companies, the train is also a place in which “peer to peer surveillance” and the idea of “panopticon” come into effect. These “showtime performers” use the enclosed subway cart to their advantage. They know that no matter what, people would have to watch the act, but are also aware that many spectators normally pull out their digital devices to record the scene. With most of these scenes ending up on social media and other places throughout the web, it creates exposure and positive views for the performers. So 
they use this idea of “panopticon” as a positive thing that will get people to watch and possible lead to getting greater exposure online. In addition to this, we also have to realize that as a result of knowing everyone will take out their phones to record — we are often on alert and participate in perception management. As we discussed in class, this theory states that individuals filter themselves to appear a certain way and control how others perceive them. The greater the risk of “becoming viral” the greater an individual’s incentive is to align themselves with societal norms.
Subway Surfers, Subway Fighters
Although, this idea of “peer to peer surveillance” and “panopticon” may not always lead to positive viewings. As earlier stated, individuals often attempt to align themselves with society’s norms. However, sometimes people veer the opposite way. Fights happen all the time, but for the most part when you see a video being posted online, it’s normally a subway fight. It’s understandable, since people might’ve been going through long days and at times it gets crowded, which leads to people losing their cool. Honestly, it’s hard to believe how most people act when they encounter a problem like this. People are so involved in their digital lives, that when a fight breaks out, the first thing they do is record it on their mobile devices, instead of actually trying to stop the fight. It’s truly disturbing to see that some people would rather record so they could get a “Worldstar” caliber video to get views for themselves. View the video below for just one disturbing example.
*All media sources can be found on this site’s Sources page